It’s always best to be prepared before traveling anywhere. For those who have never been to Turkey before, being prepared is a must to ensure the trip remains a great memory. Here are some things to know before traveling to Turkey.
Opt for Traditional Resorts
Some resorts are known as tourist accommodations. They’re great places to stay, but in the summer especially, the south coast is full of tourists and locals on holiday. Bodrum, Kusadasi, Marmaris, and Antalya are among the more popular tourist resorts.
They’re not technically a bad choice, as visitors can still enjoy the view, learn the language, taste great food, and hear local music. However, these experiences won’t be as authentic as choosing a more traditional resort.
For those aiming to get an authentic local experience and learn Turkish culture, seeking traditional resorts would be the best answer. To ensure it’s easy to travel around the best places, find accommodations in local towns close to bus access.
As Turkey is a big country, some parts can stay traditional while others are more Westernized. Staying close to the more traditional parts ensures the trip gives an authentic Turkey experience.
Get an eSIM Card
Traveling to another country means knowing how to set up the local SIM card is crucial. Although Turkey isn’t a costly country to travel in, setting up a SIM card can be expensive. This is because there’s often a higher price for foreigners, so it’s better to avoid buying a SIM card at the airport.
One of the better choices is to purchase an eSIM. For devices that support eSIM, it’s a cheaper and easier option to set up. Having a local phone number isn’t necessary, so opting for eSIM would be a better option overall. It can give unlimited data in Turkey, but checking the coverage area would be important.
There’s also a travel eSIM that can provide more flexibility. They’re much cheaper, and travelers can set them up manually without finding trustworthy SIM vendors.
Visa Requirements
Turkey’s Visa requirements differ depending on the visitor’s country. A tourist visa usually lasts 90 days. However, Turkey allows citizens of many countries to enter using an e-visa for short-term or business visits. Fortunately, it’s easy to obtain an e-visa. Travelers can visit the official e-visa portal of the Republic of Turkey to get it.
The process is usually quick and can be done online. This requirement only applies to some countries, so travelers must check if there are any visa requirements for citizens of their country when entering Turkey.
For travelers who want to stay longer than 90 days, there’s a residency permit that they can apply for online before the end of their tourist visa. The requirements include showing the amount of money in their bank, having appropriate Turkish travel insurance, and living proof in Turkey.
Remember not to overstay while using a tourist visa, as the Istanbul airport will charge a fine. The amount depends on how long the traveler has overstayed, but it can go up to a visit ban.
Plan The Destinations Carefully
Most first-time travelers who are planning to visit Turkey may underestimate its size. Traveling by bus from the south coast to the southeast can take around 24 hours. Therefore, before visiting Turkey, it’s essential to check which destinations are on the itinerary and consider the time it takes to move from one destination to another.
Another point to consider is the different types of transportation that travelers can use to get from one place to another. Some long-distance bus services can be comfortable but may be slower. There are also multiple regional airports for travelers who prefer quicker ways.
Utilize Public Transportations
It is crucial to be mindful of how much to spend on transportation. As Turkey provides multiple great public transportation options, spending the budget on other experiences is better than wasting it on transportation. For example, buses are one of the most reliable and relatively quick travel methods.
Travelers who want to use the bus should get an Istanbulkart, a prepaid card accepted by Turkey’s public transportation. Some might immediately think about renting a car to get around quickly. However, this isn’t the best option, especially for traveling around big cities like Istanbul.
Do Some Research About ATMs and Banks
It is crucial to be able to comfortably transact while traveling. Therefore, one of the most important things to do before making a trip to Turkey is to learn how ATMs work and how much the bank charges for international spending.
For example, UK bank cards charge a fee on top of the bank’s exchange rate, which can reach over 100 lira. Fortunately, online checking the current exchange rate and bank transaction fees is easy.
Each traveler usually has a preferred transaction method. Therefore, knowing which payment methods are best to use while staying in Turkey is better. The plus point is that most resorts accept credit and debit cards as payment, so it’s unlikely that travelers would need to draw money from the ATMs as much.
Beware of Spicy Food
Some Turkish foods are naturally spicy, such as kebabs. Therefore, whenever tourists visit traditional restaurants, it’s better to tell the staff about the preferred spice level of the food. Telling them not to make the food spicy is better for those who can’t handle the heat.
Many restaurants, especially the traditional ones, think that the more spice they use, the more flavorful the dishes are. Travelers with lower spice tolerance should learn to say spicy (acili) and not spicy (acisiz) to inform the restaurant while ordering.
Carefully Choose What to Buy
One essential activity for travelers when traveling abroad is shopping. However, they must be careful about things that might look attractive but don’t offer the best quality or price.
For example, several street market vendors sell fake designer goods. They might look similar to the original design, but the quality will be lower. Many popular tourist areas, like Taksim Square, also sell fake designer goods.
Like SIM card vendors who sell at a higher price than the regular price, shops near tourist attractions like Blue Mosque often sell overpriced souvenirs. Travelers might want to explore further from tourist spots when looking for a souvenir to take home. Arasta Bazaar is also known to sell authentic goods at reasonable prices.
Travelers will also find many mass-produced goods sold at low prices. Although these goods might seem attractive because of their affordability, they’re often not authentic. Those who want high-quality goods should try opting for handicrafts. They might be more expensive but offer much better quality.
